RESEARCH.
Understanding the Urgency: Bridging Gaps in Underserved Education
In the landscape of education, many underserved students grapple with a lack of access to emotional support and encouragement, hindering their ability to thrive in both academic and personal spheres. The statistics below shed light on the pressing issues our initiative, Post It Love, aims to address.
Why We Need You:
Mental Health Struggles Nationally
According to national statistics, 1 in 6 children in the United States faces mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.1 This pervasive issue touches the lives of millions of young minds.
Disturbing Trends in Underserved Schools
Underserved schools experience an alarming rate of 30-40% of students grappling with mental health concerns and a diminished sense of self-worth (National Alliance on Mental Illness)2. These stark figures underscore the critical need for intervention.
Impact on Educational Journey
Underserved students face higher hurdles in their educational journey, being less likely to graduate or pursue higher education.3 This trend threatens their future opportunities and hinders their overall growth.
Prevalence of Diagnosed Conditions
An estimated 16.5% of children aged 3-17, roughly 7.6 million kids nationwide, have been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression.4 This prevalence emphasizes the urgency of addressing emotional well-being in educational settings.
Impact on Elementary School Children
Surprisingly, 5-10% of elementary school-aged children suffer from emotional disturbances that significantly impact their academics and relationships.5 The early years are crucial for foundational learning, making this statistic particularly concerning.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Children’s Mental Health." CDC, 27 April 2023, www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/school-aged-mental-health-in-communities.html.
2Abrams, Z. (2022, October 12). Student mental health is in crisis. Campuses are rethinking their approach. Monitor on Psychology, 53(7). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care
3U.S. Department of Education. "How the U.S. Department of Education Is Helping Schools Reopen Safely and Meet the Needs of Students." U.S. Department of Education, 23 March 2021, www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/how-us-department-education-helping-schools-reopen-safely-and-meet-needs-students.
4 American Psychiatric Association
5 Quinn, M.M., Osher, D., Warger, C., Hanley, T., Bader, B.D., Tate, R., & Hoffman, C. (2000). Educational strategies for children with emotional and behavior problems. Washington, DC: Center f or Ef f ective Collaboration and Practice.
The Power of Uplifting Messages
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Underserved students face a multitude of challenges, and providing them with uplifting messages of love and support becomes a critical lifeline. Numerous studies underscore the transformative impact of emotional empowerment on academic performance, resilience, and mental health outcomes for these students.
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Academic studies, including those conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), consistently demonstrate the profound influence of positive emotional support on the overall well-being of students. When students feel valued and supported emotionally, their academic performance tends to improve significantly (NIMH, Academic Performance and Mental Health, 2020). This correlation emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional well-being in the educational context.
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Research also highlights the resilience-building effects of emotional empowerment. According to a comprehensive study by the American Psychological Association, students who receive consistent emotional support are more likely to develop resilience, enabling them to navigate challenges with greater ease (APA, Building Resilience in Children and Teens, 2017).
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Moreover, the impact of emotional well-being on mental health outcomes cannot be overstated. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that students who lack emotional support are more susceptible to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (CDC, Emotional Health in Early Childhood, 2019).
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Post It Love is committed to building a future where every child, regardless of their background, feels valued, supported, and equipped to overcome life's challenges. Together, we can create a positive and transformative impact on the lives of underserved students, ensuring they not only survive but thrive.
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2020). Academic Performance and Mental Health.
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American Psychological Association (APA). (2017). Building Resilience in Children and Teens.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Emotional Health in Early Childhood.